MADISON - Gov. Scott Walker on Friday declared a state of emergency in response to a power loss in June for Washington Island, with concerns of future power losses to the entire island due to a severely ice-damaged underwater electric cable.

“We want to make sure resources are available for families and businesses who were affected by the power outage on Washington Island. We are declaring a State of Emergency to help ensure there is continued access to power in order to keep Wisconsinites safe and to create a long-term solution as soon as possible,” Walker said in a news release.

By declaring this state of emergency, the island may qualify for additional resources, he said.

The Washington Island Electric Cooperative says it made temporary repairs to the cable earlier this month, WBAY-TV reported. The cooperative is working with federal and state authorities to route the power line across Plum Island, which would make it less prone to ice damage.